America is losing groundwater at unsustainable rates. Although groundwater loss is underreported and poorly documented, it’s becoming a serious global problem, notes Beef Magazine.
Groundwater depletion began in the late 40s and has grown steadily since. The problem is as bad on the High Plains as elsewhere. The Ogallala Aquifer provides the main water supply to High Plains farmers and ranchers. But the plains region is growing drier, rather than wetter, over time. And the Ogallala’s resources are unsustainable. One NASA scientist says that we’ve reached too many tipping points for one government to solve the problem. But he adds that he firmly believes that with shared leadership among the world’s governments, catastrophe can be averted.